Interiors: Darren Brown's Modern Glamour Mix

Simply lovin' this New York City apartment by decorator Darren Brown. It's packed with some of my favorite things: grasscloth wallpaper, animal print, gorgeous light fixtures, and plenty of glam!

Above: The living room features a nine-foot Dunbar sofa in linen velvet. Below: The foyer and main hallway are covered in Scalamandré turquoise grasscloth (Similar to this design). I find the gold ceiling and baroque mirror especially yummy.

Above: A custom bronze and walnut table, Wormley dining chairs, and zebra patterned carpet make this dining room a showstopper. The architectural details are equally amazing. Below: Hand-glazed wallpaper, leopard chests, and a stunning chandelier in the master bedroom. Unfinished-brass fixtures and Ann Sacks tiles in the master bath.

Images: Don Freeman, New York Cottages & Gardens

Friday Fashion: Kerry Washington for Vogue Italia

I've been seriously crushing on Vogue lately (US, Paris, Italia) - checking each of their websites way too often. But if I didn't, I'd miss out on gems like THIS, a beautiful editorial featuring actress Kerry Washington. The 60s-inspired styling perfectly suits her classic looks and the designer duds are equally amazing.

Looks: (1) Max Mara silk blouse and stretch pants. (2) Roberto Cavalli animal print silk jumpsuit. (3) Dior satin silk dress. (4) Genny silk shirt. (5) Valentino silk bustier dress. (6) Dolce & Gabbana jacket, top, and pants.

Images: Mark Seliger, Vogue Italia

DC Design: First Look at Showroom 1412

Welcome to Showroom 1412, designer Lori Graham's new boutique near Logan Circle. Lori is one of my favorite local designers, so I was super excited to stop by last evening. The space does not disappoint with its eclectic collection of art, furniture, lighting, textiles, and other accessories, including her line of furnishings, LG Place. Whether swathed in velvet or burnished to high shine, there's plenty of modern glamour to go around!

Perhaps, one of the most unique aspects of Showroom 1412 is its collaboration with other art/design gurus. Not only does the space showcase Lori's product selections, but it is also home to joint ventures with Lauren Gentile and Mike Johnson. As the former director of Irvine Contemporary, Lauren curates the in-store art gallery Contemporary Wing, while Mike sources the showroom’s Mid-Century Modern collection Sixteen Fifty Nine. If that name sounds familiar, you may remember Mike’s former Georgetown store.

I was happy to see an array of coffee table books, especially those by my FAVORITE publisher, Assouline. If you're not in the market for a new sofa or work of art, I recommend picking up an Assouline book for a little visual stimulation.

"This space unites fine contemporary art and select vintage pieces with the work of artisans from abroad that have caught my eye throughout my career and personal travels." – Lori Graham

Showroom 1412 opens today so stop on by if you're in the neighborhood.

Showroom 1412
1412 14th ST NW
Washington, DC 20005
Mon-Fri, 11am to 6pm, or by appointment

Images: Me

PS - Stay tuned for pics of Lori's office. It's sooo good.

Interiors: Masculine Manhattan Apartment

In the wake of the manly celebration known as Father's Day, I've decided to highlight an equally manly interior. In fact, I plan to post more masculine design for all of my gentlemen readers (Thanks for your support!). This Manhattan apartment was designed by Ron Marvin and is the epitome of manly glam.

To achieve this Art Deco-inspired look, Ron used luxe materials like velvet, lucite, chrome, and mirror alongside retro accessories and art. He recommends layering to give a room character: "I like to use trays, stacks of books, boxes, bowls, vases, sculpture, art, and lamps to create interesting layered vignettes."

Overall, a very chic space, don't ya think?

Images: Lonny Magazine

Interiors: Tabitha Simmons

With interiors by Virginia Tupker, Tabitha Simmons' Manhattan townhouse is the epitome of modern glamour with chandeliers, fireplaces, and antiques aplenty. I particularly love the living room rug by the Rug Company (a giant butterfly) as well as Tabitha's collection of oddities and signature shoes.

Images: (1, 2, 4, 7) Vogue.com, (3, 5, 6) The Coveteur

PS - See the home of fellow shoe maven Tamara Mellon